Vote: Who is the top blocker in Michigan high school volleyball?

Read through the nominees and vote for who is the best entering the 2023 season

Let’s take a close look at some of the top returning blocker in Michigan high school volleyball for the 2023 season.

Plenty of worthy names are on this list, so be sure to read through the nominees and vote in our poll.

Voting will close on September 24 at 11:59 p.m.

Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player who may not be mentioned in our poll.

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Top blockers in Michigan high school volleyball

Carissa Musta, Cadillac

A four-year varsity starter, Musta was a Division 2 second-team all-state player last season, helping lead her team to its first ever appearance in a state final match. Cadillac later finished as the Division II runner-up after an “outstanding” semifinal performance from Musta.

“Carissa is a big presence on the court,” coach Michelle Brines said of the 6-foot-4 middle. “The growth she has made over the last four years has been tremendous.”

This season, Musta is a captain and the team’s attack and block leader. She is playing all six rotations. 

Kadie Tarasiewicz, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Tarasiewicz is a two-time all-catholic player and was a PrepDig 2023 Division II Player of the Year Finalist.

“Kadie’s growth over the past two years has turned her into the player she is today,” coach Molly Campbell said. “Her wingspan allows her block to be a substantial part of her game which makes our team that much better. Having Kadie on our team helps our offense to be a big threat.”

Jillian Gibbs, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Gibbs, a sophomore, was an all-league player as a freshman, helping round out the young core for a talented program.

“Jillian Gibbs is a dynamic player who has the ability to change the momentum of any game,” coach Molly Campbell said. “Her blocking is a huge component of her game and her ability to hit a variety of shots makes her lethal.”

Campbell added that Gibbs’ energy and passion stand out, making her an entertaining watch.

Mallory Bohl, Saline

Bohl is committed to Notre Dame to play volleyball next season. She is also a great outside hitter.

Olivia Hosford, Rockford

As a freshman in 2022, Hosford’s standout play as a middle hitter earned her the honor of a spot on the Division 1 all-state second team.

At 6-foot, Hosford can rotate around the court. Through a season-plus of her career, she’s already up to 503 kills (.391% in 2022), 177 total blocks, and 194 digs. 

Maddy Vaara, Ludington

Vaara, a senior, appeared on the Division II all-state second team last season as a middle hitter. The 6-footer’s first varsity season was last year and she has 242 career kills and 20 total blocks. 

Olivia Grenadier, Detroit Country Day

Grenadier was a first-team all-state recipient last season and is rated No. 17 overall in her class, according to Prep Volleyball. She was also a 2023 club all-american and AAU National Champion.

“Olivia is a threat offensively as well as defensively,” coach Kimberly Lockhart said of the six-rotation middle. “Her ability to see the court is impressive.”

Last year, Grenadier hit over .450%. This year, she continues to impress with a .500 hitting percentage early. She will continue her career after high school at the University of Colorado. 

Kayla Nwabueze, Bloomfield Hills

Nwabueze led the state in blocks last season, according to Maxpreps, as just a freshman. She was also top 10 in kills.

An all-league recipient, the 6-foot-2 Nwabueze is rated as the No. 1 prospect in the nation for her class, according to PrepDig.

Kendall Hopewell, Forest Hills Northern

Hopewell is committed to Northern Kentucky University. She is a strong hitter as well, and her 6-foot-1 height makes her formidable near the net.

Brielle Kero, Hancock

Kero is a “dominating” middle blocker for newly-hired coach Kristan Coleman. She plays all around the court and has a “wicked” jump serve.

“She leads by example and always gives over 100%,” Coleman said. “I expect her to be in competition for the MVP of our conference. She is the type of player that works hard whether I am watching or not.” 

Ella Cardinal, Franklin

Cardinal, a co-captain, recorded 87 blocks, 50 digs, 47 assists, 43 kills and 10 aces last season in the middle.

“Ella was recognized by her team for her leadership and reliability,” coach Sarah Atteveld said, “taking the time to encourage the sub-varsity teams and players, her upbeat attitude and being a good role model… We will miss her next season.”

Megan Glotzhober, Franklin

Glotzhober patrolled the middle alongside Cardinal last season. She racked up 94 digs, 81 kills, 25 assists, 24 aces and 24 blocks as a sophomore. She is also one of three team captains.

“She was recognized for her leadership and spirit on the court as well as her humor in practice, positivity, and encouragement of other players,” Atteveld said. “Megan is leading the team and keeping everyone motivated and we are so glad that we can look to her leadership next year as well.” 

Angelina Virga, Walled Lake Central

Virga is a force up front for coach Liz Kaplan. The middle blocker has recorded 16 solo blocks and 10 block assists through the first nine games of the 2023 season.

This is her third season as a varsity starter. She is also a key part of the school’s softball program. 

Delaney Zielke, Notre Dame Prep

Zielke is a senior for Notre Dame Prep, and she has played travel volleyball for Michigan Elite National Elite 17's team.

Andria Dykstra, Covenant Christian

Dykstra plays primarily as a middle blocker, but can rotate all around the court.

“Andria is the fire that keeps our team going,” coach Carli Engelsma said. “She is a smart, powerful middle hitter and a quick, solid blocker. Her hustle and energy on the court makes her unstoppable. She is a key encourager on our team and always motivates her teammates to get better.”

Victoria Gray, Bedford

Bedford is one of the top players in Michigan in the Class of 2025, and in Michigan regardless of class.

Madison Babinec, Oakridge

Babinec, both an outside and middle hitter, was all-conference in 2022. A varsity player since her sophomore season, coach Robert Riefer has seen huge strides skill and talent-wise.

“Madison has developed into a leader by taking younger players under her wing and helping them develop their skills and knowledge of the game,” he said. “Last year she asked what she could do to become an all-around player and she took everything her coach told her and accomplished her goal.”

AJ Rickli, Paw Paw

Rickli in the foundation of Paw Paw’s defense with her “game-changing” precense up front.

“She applies a great cut to her attacks which is hard to defend,” coach Christina Duchene said. “On top of that, she leads the team in perseverance and laughter. Without ever giving up, she makes sure everyone on the team is having fun. It will be a great experience to watch her grow this year.”

Johanna Tillman, Dakota

A three-year varsity starter, Tillman was named a captain this season after a junior year which included all-conference, all-county and all-region nods. She’ll continue her career at Grand Valley State University next season.

“Johanna is a threat at the net with her blocking and swing,” coach Melissa Criteser said. “Johanna's flexibility to run plays and read the court is one of her strengths.”

She added: “Her heart and determination for this sport and for her team is something that doesn't go unrecognized.”

Fiona Moord, Leland

Moord is a senior who is one of the top blockers in the state, according to PrepDig.com.

Cameron McDonald, Chippewa Valley

McDonald plays both outside and middle hitter for Chippewa Valley and coach Chris Hull. As a junior in 2022, she totaled 118 kills, 43 blocks and 23 aces as an all-conference honorable mention.

“She is an all-around player that can take over a game and who wants the ball under pressure,” Hull said. “Her passion is contagious for everybody who plays with her.”

Jenna Southland, Three Rivers

Southland is a senior and a force at the net. She recently had a game where she had 49 kills, nine digs, five aces and seven blocks. She is committed to play at Hillsdale University.

Alexis Girolami, senior, Lawton

A three-year varsity player, Girolami has blown coach Kristin Burk away with her work ethic from her in-match motor to her determination in the weight room.

“She is always working to be a better player and a better teammate,” Burk said of the team captain. “She is a strong middle with a lot of diversity in her attacking game.”

Yulissa Perales, Bloomingdale

Perales was an all-conference honorable mention last season and is a team captain in 2023. She is also a standout, all-conference basketball and soccer player for the school.

Shelby Ignash, Cass City

Ignash is one of the top players in the class of 2025. She is committed to Texas Tech University. 

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